This Bright Hour

Description

This Bright Hour is the seventh album by the American singer and songwriter Fernando Ortega, released on Myrrh Records in 1997, a division of Word Entertaiment. The album was produced by John Andrew Schreiner.

When an artist has recorded six albums without being signed to a major record label, one might wonder whether it is due to chronic mediocrity or an artistic standard of brilliance. One listen to Fernando Ortega’s national debut, ‘This Bright Hour’, erases any question of the former.

It is hard to give a single explanation for the enchanting nature of this album, as every element in the equation is exceptional. The songs are eclectic, ranging from smooth acoustic pop («Angel Fire») to contemplative worship (including such hymns as «I Will Sing of My Redeemer» and «O Thou in Whose Presence»). In addition, Ortega gets some vocal and instrumental help from Alison Krauss and Ron Block (of Union Station) on the bluegrass-influenced «Children of the Living God». Ortega’s Celtic interpretation of «All Creatures of Our God and King» provides a fresh and unique vehicle of worship.

Few people can weave a harmony as beautifully as Christian music veteran Kelly Willard, and her background vocals on this project seem less like a contribution and more like a completion. Also worthy of note are a couple of original songs, «Hear Me Calling, Great Redeemer» and «I Will Praise Him Still», where a handful of soulful background vocalists easily simulate a full choir.

But perhaps the most striking thing about Fernando Ortega’s music is his unusually engaging voice – it is steady and tranquil, yet full of passion. It might be said that he can sing a symphony without ever raising his voice. And when he sings «Jehova, Señor de Los Cielos», the listener may not understand the colorful and rich Spanish poetry, but there is such a longing in his delivery that the message bypasses the mind, lodging firmly in the soul.

If you’re looking for gimmicky, trendy music that stimulates the senses and gives a cheap thrill, skip this record. But if soothing, substantial music with excellent production quality is your idea of a dollar well spent, run – don’t walk – to your nearest Christian bookstore and look under “O” for Ortega. [Laura Harris, CCM, October 1997]

> iTunes

CD tracklist:

01. Angel Fire – 4:04
02. Children of the Living God – 3:21
03. Anita’s Heart – 5:10
04. Don’t Let Me Come Home a Stranger – 2:11
05. How Firm a Foundation – 3:23
06. Jehova, Senor De Los Cielos – 4:02
07. I Will Sing of My Redeemer – 3:49
08. I Will Praise Him, Still – 3:47
09. All Creatures of Our God and King – 3:10
10. Grace’s Waltz – 2:00
11. If You Were Mine – 3:35
12. Hear Me Calling, Great Redeemer – 3:50
13. I Will Wait for My Change (Job 14) – 5:47
14. O Thou, In Whose Presence – 4:33

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD.

[youtube_sc url=”_Y9OpNWcQBQ” playlist=”6oJQT7V-O-0,DU5saWwG5iE,m6yC0P1NazE,gzXNvfLSm6s,SIRzhBf1DJ0,H2rojHcjJVU,lw3hy4EyXJ8,CiKX3xYO4Vk,Woyv_QFXyrY,L8wAs3FMrMk,HbcMRvtuih4,9yIxDROh6iI,UFZBezpUZ08″ title=”Fernando Ortega, Night of Your Return – Angel Fire + Children of the Living God + Anita’s Heart + Don’t Let Me Come Home a Stranger + How Firm a Foundation + Jehova, Senor De Los Cielos + I Will Sing of My Redeemer + I Will Praise Him, Still + All Creatures of Our God and King + Grace’s Waltz + If You Were Mine + Hear Me Calling, Great Redeemer + I Will Wait for My Change (Job 14) + O Thou, In Whose Presence” autohide=”1″ rel=”0″]